Deborah G. Mathews

Deborah G. Mathews, age 61, went to be with her Savior on Thursday, February 29, 2024, after battling cancer. She was born on June 28, 1962, to her loving parents, Ike Risenhoover and Jolene Baker in Oklahoma City, OK. She grew up and graduated high school in Mangum, OK, Class of 1980. Her grandparents, Maude and Roland Baker, were two of her favorite people and she cherished her time with them. They were influential in her faith journey in her early life and with them, she always felt loved, safe and secure. Children were Deborah’s passion and she ran a home day care for 15 years. For the last 17 years, she has been a Data Processor for Grand Savings Bank, where she was known for her hard work and attention to detail. Deborah met the love of her life, Randy Mathews at a grocery store in Sayre, OK. On December 31, 1983, they were married and the couple recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. The couple lived in several cities in Oklahoma until settling in Grove in 1999. Deborah was a woman of unwavering faith and a member of Church on the Hill, dedicating her time to reading and studying scripture and being a prayer warrior for those in need. She took pride in the relationships that she built with the teens over the past 35 years, while helping her husband in the youth ministry. Her favorite aspect of that ministry was leading small groups with teenage girls. Spending time with family, especially her four grandkids, was her greatest passion. Deborah’s life was filled with joy and laughter, always having a song on her lips and amusing those around her with her quick wit and sense of humor. Her motto was: Life is uncertain, eat dessert first. In her free time, Deborah enjoyed participating in bible study fellowship, where she found solace and strength in her faith. She will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, and unwavering love for those around her. Sending birthday cards, watching Scooby Doo, Garfield and Peanuts, decorating for Christmas and Christmas music, were some of her favorite past times. Deborah leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and laughter that will be cherished by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and colleagues. She is preceded in death by her mother, Jolene Jameson, father, Ike Risenhoover, step-father, Don Jameson, and her oldest son, Jason Mathews in 2000. Left to cherish Deborah’s memory, Randy Mathews, sons, Aaron Mathews (Melissa) of Miami, OK and Hayden Mathews (Alexis) of Fayetteville, AR and 3 grandsons, Andy Mark, Asa Eric, Franklin Owen and princess granddaughter, Avie Jo, brother, Donald Jameson (Karole) of McAlister, OK and sister, Diana Ray (Steven) of Killeen, TX and mother in law, Kathleen Pixley of Grove, lifelong best friend, Sherree Lowarance of Elk City, Ok and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. A Celebration of Deborah’s life will be at 1pm Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Church on the Hill in Grove, OK. Arrangements entrusted to Nichols-Stephens Funeral & Cremation Services. Donations in Deborah’s memory may be made to her family to assist with the many medical expenses incurred over the past 2 years. In c/o Randy Mathews, 1311 Hummingbird Lane, Grove, OK 74344.

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Deborah G. Mathews

June 28, 1962 - February 29, 2024